Entertainment

Microsoft Brings iPad Support to OneNote

Microsoft just updated its OneNote iOS app to support the iPad. The new version, OneNote 1.3, works on any device running iOS 4.3 or later, including the iPad and iPad 2.

Far from being just adding device support, the iPad version of OneNote makes full use of the tablet's larger screen, with larger pages that can better accommodate things like maps, a menu sidebar, and other iPad-specific features.

Besides iPad support, OneNote 1.3 adds more languages, a tabbed user interface, table rendering and — for those worried about data charges — the option to sync notes only over Wi-Fi.

OneNote is Microsoft's supercharged note-taking app. It was first offered with Microsoft Office in 2003, and was first ported to the iPhone in January this year. It's part of Microsoft's Office suite of products, though it's the only Office app available on iOS... so far. OneNote uses Microsoft's cloud service, SkyDrive, to automatically sync notes across devices.

Curious to see the app in action, I tried out OneNote 1.3 for iPhone. My notes synced with my online Windows Live account within seconds after edits were made — this cloud stuff really works. The interface is a little redundant and counterintuitive at times, though. Microsoft should take a few cues from the better To-Do list makers, like Errands.

Although the iPhone and iPad apps are free, you're limited to just 500 notes. For unlimited notes, you must pay per device, costing $4.99 for an iPhone or iPod Touch, and $14.99 for the iPad. If you have more than 500 notes on SkyDrive, you can still view them on your iOS devices with the free app, Microsoft says, but you won't be able to edit them or create new ones.

Is Microsoft's expanded OneNote support a move toward bringing more Office apps to iOS? Stay tuned.

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